Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Immediately Affects Achilles Tendon Structure and Widespread Pressure Pain Thresholds in Healthy People: A Repeated-Measures Observational Study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in healthy participants (i.e., no Achilles tendon pain or pathology). Design This study examined the effect of three bouts of weekly extracorporeal shockwave therapy for 3 wks in 13 healthy participants. Outcomes measures assessed were as follows: (a) Achilles tendon structure, quantified using ultrasound tissue characterization (before and 3 hrs after extracorporeal shockwave therapy), (b) pressure pain thresholds, over the Achilles tendon and common extensor tendon origin (before, immediately after, and 3 hrs after extracorporeal shockwave therapy), and (c) hop pain (before and immediately after extracorporeal shockwave therapy). Results There was a significant reduction in echo type I (P
Source: American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research